Alekhine Defense: Modern Variation, Schmid Variation

Chess players who play as White often choose to play e4 as their first move. This is because it controls the center and opens up lines for the queen and bishop. By controlling the center, White can assert more influence over the board, putting pressure on Black's pieces. In the Alekhine Defense, Modern Variation, Schmid Variation, White follows up with e5, attempting to gain even more control. Black responds with Nf6, aiming to create counterplay and challenge White's control over the center. From there, the game becomes a sharp and tactical battle between the two sides.

In response to White's e4 move, Black plays Nf6 in order to immediately challenge White's control over the center. By placing a knight on f6, Black attacks White's pawn on e4, and potentially threatens to advance their own pawn to d5, further contesting the center. Additionally, Nf6 prepares for a King's Indian Defense or Pirc Defense setup, which allows Black to wait for White to commit more pawns to the center before making a move. In sum, Nf6 is a common and principled response to e4.

White plays e5 in an attempt to solidify their control over the center and put pressure on Black's knight on f6. By advancing the pawn to e5, White can gain space and create opportunities for their pieces to develop. Additionally, the pawn on e5 can potentially support the attack of other pieces in the future. However, this move also weakens the d4 square, making it a potential target for Black's pieces. In sum, e5 is a principled move that aims to gain more space and control for White, but also carries some risk.

In the Alekhine Defense: Modern Variation, Schmid Variation, after White advances the e-pawn to e5, Black has the option to play Nd5. This move attacks the e5 pawn and forces White to either capture the knight or move the pawn to a less favorable square, potentially weakening the pawn structure. Additionally, the knight on d5 is well-placed and puts pressure on White's position, potentially creating tactical opportunities for Black down the line. Despite its potential advantages, however, Nd5 requires careful consideration as it can also lead to the exchange of Black's valuable knight for a pawn and potentially open up Black's position to attack.

In response to Black's Nd5, White has the option to play d4 in order to gain control over the center and challenge Black's knight. By advancing the d-pawn, White also frees up their c1 bishop and potentially opens up attacking lines against Black's position. However, this move also creates a pawn structure where White has a pawn on d4 and e5, which can be difficult to defend if Black can establish a strong presence in the center. Additionally, playing d4 can allow Black to respond with d6, further contesting White's control over the center. In sum, d4 is a principled and aggressive move that aims to gain more space and control for White, but also carries some risks.

After White plays d4 in the Alekhine Defense, Modern Variation, Schmid Variation, Black has the option to play d6 in order to contest White's control over the center. By advancing the d-pawn, Black not only prepares to potentially establish a pawn on d5 and challenge White's e5 pawn, but also frees up their light-squared bishop and potentially prepares to castle kingside. However, playing d6 can also create some weaknesses in Black's pawn structure and limit the mobility of their pieces. Additionally, if Black plays d6 too early, before completing their development, White can potentially seize the initiative and gain an advantage. In sum, d6 is a solid and flexible move that aims to slow down White's advance in the center and prepare for Black's own counterplay.

In the Alekhine Defense: Modern Variation, Schmid Variation, after Black plays d6, White has the option to play Nf3. This move develops the knight and prepares to castle kingside, strengthening White's position and potentially freeing up their queen and light-squared bishop. Additionally, by developing the knight to f3 before the bishop to c4, White avoids the doubled pawns that can result from Black's response of ...e5 in the future. However, by delaying the development of the bishop, White also potentially limits their attacking potential. In sum, Nf3 is a solid and flexible move that aims to develop pieces and prepare defensively.

After White plays Nf3 in the Alekhine Defense, Modern Variation, Schmid Variation, Black has the option to play Nb6. This move prepares to attack White's pawn on c4, potentially forcing White to further weaken their pawn structure. Additionally, Nb6 develops the knight and prepares to control the center and attack White's position. However, by moving the knight to the edge of the board, Black also limits its mobility in the short-term and risks losing time if White takes advantage of this. Furthermore, playing Nb6 can potentially leave Black's b-pawn undefended and open up tactical opportunities for White. In sum, Nb6 is a flexible and dynamic move that aims to gain control over the center and generate counterplay.